The Lat Prao police officer who drove illegally on the Bhumibol Bridge on Tuesday resulting in the death of his girlfriend is to face three charges.

But he is unlikely to be drummed out of the force, reports Daily News.

Officer Chaiyan Thongkhamchum drove his big bike on the bridge despite a ban. He lost control and his girlfriend on the back came off and was run over and killed by a lorry coming up behind.

It was reported earlier in the week that he then discharged his gun in the air before apparently trying to kill himself and being saved by friends also out with him.

The bike and the gun had been taken in as evidence while officer Chaiyan presented himself to investigators yesterday.

Acting police chief Sanit Mahathaworn revealed to reporters that Chaiyan would face a charge of negligent driving causing death. This can result in a prison term of up to ten years. He also said that he would be charged with illegally riding on the bridge and also face police disciplinary action. This could be imprisonment and or loss of pay and rank but would likely not result in his removal from the force.

Many angry Thai posters online said that he should be sacked from the force. Others asked why he was not facing charges for discharging his gun.